1975 was officially rated by the Consejo Regulador Rioja as ‘Very Good’ and described by Decanter magazine as ‘Another year in which top growers such as Faustino, Olarra, and Corral turned out better wines than the general rating might imply’. On average around 9% of total production became Gran Reserva. Following the death of General Franco, Prince Juan Carlos was sworn in as King, ushering in a new era for Spain. A joint space mission was launched by Apollo & Soyuz. The Vietnam war ended. Paul Allen & Bill Gates registered the company name ‘MICROSOFT’. Cinemas first screened the blockbuster movie ‘Jaws’. The rock band Queen released Bohemian Rhapsody.

This is the first Gran Reserva to be made by the Corral family at their new winery in Navarrete village, completed in 1974 and named ‘Don Jacobo’ in honor of its position on the famous pilgrimage route the ‘Ruta Jacobea’ (‘Way of St. James’) or Camino de Santiago. It’s a traditional blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, and Mazuelo aged for at least 36 months in oak before bottling. Pale garnet at its center with flecks of bronze at the rim. Nuanced aromas rise gently reminiscent of the forest in the fall. Within 30 minutes the aromas develop across a range of autumn fruits, spices, and slow-baked plums. The light tannins are now part of a dry savory structure. A rare, delicate Rioja from an important year in Spanish history. Allow the wine to stand upright for several hours. Carefully open at the time of serving it is better not to decant Rioja of this age. Pour carefully as the bottle will contain sediments. A perfect partner to lamb, roasted eggplant, or subtle cheeses.